Today we’re going to have a look at some useful language to talk on the telephone.
1. Saying your telephone number
Mi número de teléfono es el … - My phone number is …
2. Answering the phone
¿Sí?
¿Dígame?
¿Diga?
¡Aló!
¿Bueno?
(Name of the company), buenos días.
3. Asking after someone
- Buenos días, mi nombre es … llamo de la empresa … Desearía hablar con el Sr./ la Sra. … - Good morning, my name is … I’m calling from … (company) I would like to speak with Mr. / Mrs. …
- ¿De parte de quién, por favor? – May I ask who’s calling?
- Un momento, por favor. – A moment, please.
- No cuelgue, espere un momento, por favor. – Hold on a second, please. (lit. Don’t hang up, hold on a moment, please.)
- Le paso. – I’ll put you through.
- Le han pasado mal. – You have the wrong extension.
- Puede llamar directamente. El número de teléfono es el … - You can call directly. The telephone number is …
- Discúlpeme, me he equivocado de número. – I’m sorry, I dialled the wrong number.
4. Someone is not available
- Lo siento, pero en este momento está reunido(-a). – I’m sorry, but he’s/she’s in a meeting right now.
- En este momento está hablando por la otra línea. – He’s/She’s on another call right now.
- Gracias, volveré a llamar. – Thank you, I´ll call back later.
- ¿Cuándo cree que podré hablar con él/ella? – When will I be able to talk to him/her?
5. Leaving a message
- ¿Desea dejar algún mensaje? – Would you like to leave a message?
- ¿Le importaría darle un recado? – Would you mind giving him/her a message?
- ¿Podría decirle que me llame cuando llegue? – Would you tell him/her to call me when he/she gets back?
- ¿Podría decirle que he llamado? – Would you tell him/her I called?
Nos vemos prontito.
2 Comments
Hi, just a beginner here. Would anyone be able to explain the difference between “Lo siento” and “discúlpeme” which are both translated as “I’m sorry” in this article?
“Disculpe” or “Discúlpeme” literally means: “Excuse me”
“Lo siento” literally means “I’m sorry”.
The usage of these expressions is very similar to that of their English equivalents.
“Disculpe” is used to initiate conversation with strangers, make others aware of your presence, or excuse yourself in social situations.
“Lo siento” is used to offer apologies and empathise with others.
In some cases they can be used interchangeably if there is an overlap in meaning. If you ever think of a situation where you would be unsure as to which one you should use, don’t hesitate to ask.